A Börse Stuttgart Digital survey covering approximately 6,000 respondents across Germany, Italy, Spain, and France revealed that 35% of investors would consider switching banks if a competitor offered better cryptocurrency investment services. According to the survey findings, this growing trend indicates that crypto is no longer viewed as a niche offering for a select segment of investors, but rather as a mainstream consideration in banking relationships. The study shows that nearly 20% of respondents expect their primary bank to provide crypto services within the next three years, while 25% have already invested in digital assets and 36% are likely to invest again within the next five years. As per the survey, this shift represents a gradual but measurable change among investors who are already open to the asset class, with digital assets becoming a factor in how some investors evaluate financial providers.
The survey identified significant regulatory and awareness challenges that continue to limit crypto adoption. About 76% of respondents said crypto assets are still not sufficiently regulated, while more than 60% admitted they do not feel well-informed about the sector. However, confidence has begun to improve following the rollout of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework, which came fully into force for crypto asset service providers on December 30, 2024. Nearly half of surveyed investors said the regulation has made digital assets feel safer and more accessible, with Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Börse Stuttgart Group, noting that trust and clear regulation are essential for the next phase of crypto adoption in Europe. He emphasized that MiCA brings the legal certainty that investors expect before committing capital, narrowing the trust gap that has historically limited adoption.
According to the survey results, Spain recorded the highest adoption among the surveyed markets, with nearly 28% of investors already holding crypto. Germany followed at 25%, Italy at 24%, and France at 23%. Across all respondents, 25% said they already own crypto, and 36% said they plan to invest again within the next five years. The survey also revealed that Spain leads with over 40% general appetite for future crypto investment, followed by France at 36%, Germany at 35%, and Italy at 34%. Separate industry data from Chainalysis shows continued growth in transaction volumes across the region, with Russia leading Europe with $376 billion in crypto value received between July 2024 and June 2025, followed by the United Kingdom at $273 billion and Germany at $219 billion. This data from October 2025 reinforces the survey findings that adoption is becoming a measurable factor in how investors evaluate financial providers.
The regulatory push is shaping institutional activity, with Börse Stuttgart Digital becoming the first German firm to receive an EU-wide MiCA license through its custody subsidiary in January 2025. The company has since positioned itself as regulated infrastructure for banks, brokers, and asset managers. Among banks and asset managers exploring tokenization, 89% identified custody and secure storage as a priority, while token lifecycle management and distribution ranked close behind. Security standards such as ISO and SOC II certifications were viewed as critical by 97% of respondents, underscoring the importance of trusted service providers. A 2026 Ripple survey found that 74% of respondents said stablecoins can improve cash flow efficiency and unlock working capital, showing how use cases are extending beyond payments into treasury management. Traditional institutions are responding to this demand, with banks and financial service providers across Europe gradually expanding crypto offerings, including custody and trading services, aiming to retain clients who might otherwise migrate to more crypto-friendly platforms.
